News and commentary about the reigning royal houses of the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Spain, Monaco -- and the former European monarchies as well.

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Monday, May 14, 2012

Royal Death: King Frederik VIII of Denmark

The New York Times and other newspapers are reporting the death, earlier tonight, of King Frederik VIII of Denmark. He was 68 years old. According to the news reports, the death was "sudden."

Frederik was already 62 years old when he succeeded his father, Christian IX, in 1906. His reign was "too short and the part his country has played of late in history has been too small to make him a very noteworthy character." He played his part "as a constitutional monarch with an ability and high purpose that won him the admiration" of those opposed to monarchy.

Frederik was born June 3, 1843, the eldest son of King Christian IX and his wife, Louise of Hesse-Cassel. On July 28, 1869, he married Princess Louise of Sweden and Norway.

The king was noted for being "the most approachable of men," and was often seen strolling through the streets of Copenhagen or Hvidore. Once, when a group of American tourists found their way into gardens of one of his Summer palaces, the king "showed them around, and only revealed his identity as he shook hands at party." He also told them: "If you want to see the stables, just say you have the King's permission."

Frederik is succeeded by his eldest son, Christian X, who is married to Duchess Alexandrine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. They have two sons, Frederik and Knud. The elder son is now the Crown Prince.

A younger son, King Haakon VII of Norway, is married to Princess Maud, youngest sister of King George V, while the eldest daughter, Princess Ingeborg is married to Prince Carl of Sweden.

Frederik has three sisters, Alexandra, the Dowager Queen of the United Kingdom, Marie, the Dowager Empress of Russias, and Thyra, the Duchess of Cumberland.

Now available for purchase: a well-researched, footnoted article on the life of Grand Duke Michael Mikahilovich of Russia, whose marriage to Countess Sophie von Merenberg was unequal, but a love match. I wrote this piece some years ago for Royalty Digest, and now again available. The price is $5.00 (and will be sent to you as a PDF). Just click on the Buy Now link for purchase. Thanks.

The Gleichens: the Unknown Royal Cousins

My article, The Gleichens: the Unknown Royal Cousins, is now available through Kindle on Amazon, in all the Amazons' Kindle stores. This link is for US Amazon. The price is $9.99. Just visit your Amazon and go to the Kindle store, search for my article. The article runs more than 50 pages! And who were the Gleichens: Prince Victor of Hohenlohe-Langenburg (nephew of Queen Victoria) and his family. His marriage to Lady Laura Seymour was considered unequal, and his wife and children were created Countesses and Count Gleichen. A German title but very English people .... Feodora, Edward, Valda and Helena .. all talented and interesting people. True junior royals.

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All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published without the prior approval of Marlene A. Koenig. You can, however, provide a link to the blog or to a post on the blog. Please credit Marlene A Koenig and Royal Musings. Thanks

Sources

The sources consulted for this blog include the New York Times, the Chicago Daily Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and The Times. I also consult books and other materials in my personal library. All the photos come from my personal collection, unless other noted.